applications Archives

Tech Optimizer

June 7, 2025

Amazon Aurora DSQL Goes GA: Distributed, PostgreSQL-Compatible Serverless Database

Amazon has launched Amazon Aurora DSQL, a PostgreSQL-compatible and serverless database solution designed for active-active high availability and multi-region strong consistency. It features a disaggregated architecture with independent components that scale based on workloads. Aurora DSQL offers 99.99% availability within a single region and 99.999% in multi-region deployments, with automatic recovery from failures. It supports microservices, event-driven architectures, and multi-tenant SaaS applications. All read and write operations maintain consistency across regional endpoints. The service includes a new billing unit called the Distributed Processing Unit (DPU) and supports essential relational features, although some PostgreSQL features are not supported. Aurora DSQL has expanded its availability to more regions and introduced new features, including PostgreSQL views and AWS Backup. A free tier is available, covering 100,000 DPUs and 1 GB-month of storage monthly.

Winsage

June 7, 2025

If you’re sick of software subscriptions, check this out

A Microsoft Office Pro lifetime license is available for .97, significantly reduced from its usual price of 9.99. This license includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, Access, and the free version of Teams. It allows installation on a single Windows PC and is tied to the device rather than a Microsoft account. The software supports all languages, includes complimentary customer support, and provides updates at no extra cost.

AppWizard

June 7, 2025

Elon Musk Confirms New ‘XChat’ Messaging Option Rolling Out This Week

Elon Musk announced the rollout of a new feature called “XChat” for select X Premium subscribers, set to reach all paying users within a week. XChat includes enhanced messaging features such as full encryption by default, vanishing messages, the ability to send file attachments, and audio/video calls without a phone number. The service is built using "Rust with (Bitcoin style) encryption.” Musk envisions integrating messaging with financial transactions, aiming to launch X Payments later this year, similar to WeChat's model in China. Despite challenges in attracting Western consumers to comprehensive platforms, Musk's experience in payments may help make XChat appealing. The updated XChat begins its rollout this week, subject to potential scaling issues.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Best Windows apps this week

Microsoft has made significant updates for users in the European Union and European Economic Area, including the ability to uninstall the Microsoft Store while still receiving app updates, a reduction in notifications related to Edge, and increased control over web searches in Windows. This week features discounts on various applications, with some offers extending beyond a single week. Notable new or improved Windows apps include: - Fences 6.0: An updated desktop management tool that allows users to organize programs and links into customizable groups with new tab support. - Start Everywhere: An application launcher that complements the Windows Start Menu, enabling users to launch applications from any screen corner using mouse clicks, hotkeys, or active corners. - VeraCrypt 1.26: An open-source encryption software that allows users to encrypt their entire system, individual hard drives, or specific partitions, with new protective measures against screen recordings and captures.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

This app has been shipping with Windows for decades, and it needs to go away

The Character Map is a tool in Windows designed to help users access uncommon characters and symbols not available on the keyboard. However, it is considered convoluted and unnecessary due to its complicated access process and cumbersome selection method. Microsoft has introduced a more efficient emoji keyboard in Windows 11, which allows users to quickly select symbols by pressing Windows + . (period) and is more user-friendly than the Character Map. The emoji panel saves the last twelve used symbols for easy access. It is suggested that the Character Map would be better suited as a feature within Microsoft Office, where symbol selection is more relevant. The Character Map is viewed as one of several outdated features in Windows 11 that may need removal to improve the user experience.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Say goodbye to paid upgrades: Get Windows 11 for life for $22

Windows 10 Pro is currently priced at .05, which includes a complimentary upgrade to Windows 11 Pro. CdkeySales.com offers genuine Windows CD keys at low prices for lifetime use. By using the promo code CULT at checkout, customers can receive an additional 30% discount on software keys. Windows 11 Pro is available for .71, significantly lower than Microsoft's official price of .99. Purchasing a Windows 10 CD key also grants a free upgrade to Windows 11. CdkeySales.com provides a straightforward process for purchasing and activating software keys, and offers various options for games and hardware as well.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Microsoft Issues Critical Windows Update—Do Not Delete This

Users may face a significant vulnerability related to a Windows update from April 2025, particularly concerning the "inetpub" folder, which is essential for the security of Windows 11 systems. Microsoft clarified that this folder, linked to Internet Information Services (IIS) and necessary for hosting capabilities, should not be deleted. If users have removed the folder, they must restore it to address the security patch for CVE-2025-21204, as its absence can lead to risks such as privilege escalation and unauthorized access. Microsoft has provided a PowerShell script to restore the folder without enabling IIS, and users are advised to follow specific commands to execute the fix. However, many users may not take action, leaving their systems vulnerable.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

Gemini app ‘Scheduled Actions’ are official, rollout begins for automated tasks

Google has started rolling out the "Scheduled Actions" feature in the Gemini app for Gemini AI Pro and Ultra subscribers as of June 6. This feature allows users to automate routine tasks, such as receiving a morning email summary. Future enhancements announced during the I/O 2025 event include the Deep Think upgrades and 2.5 Flash improvements, which aim to increase Gemini's speed and efficiency and enhance its reasoning capabilities. Extensive testing will be conducted to ensure users benefit from these advancements.

AppWizard

June 6, 2025

How to play Monopoly GO on PC

Monopoly GO can be played on a PC using the Bluestacks Android emulator. To do this, users need to download Bluestacks from its official website, install and launch the program, log in with their Google Account, and then search for and install Monopoly GO from the Play Store. While the gameplay experience is similar to the mobile version, some features, such as redeeming codes and accessing promotional offers, may still require the mobile app.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

Why I Use simplewall Instead of Windows Firewall (And You Should Too)

Simplewall is a rule-based firewall controller for Windows that enhances the Windows Filtering Platform (WFP) without replacing it. It allows users to manage network access for applications and services with a user-friendly interface, supporting advanced features like filtering rules by IP, port, or protocol. Users can create tailored profiles for different scenarios and have comprehensive control over network interactions, including blocking telemetry data and automatic updates. Simplewall is lightweight, portable, and operates without background processes or telemetry, ensuring a straightforward user experience. Setting up simplewall involves downloading it, extracting the files, and enabling filters, allowing users to establish a functional firewall profile quickly. While it offers many advantages, such as being open-source and compatible with older Windows versions, it may be overwhelming for beginners and lacks detailed app profiling compared to premium firewalls.